The Penguins will have more fans in the building for some playoff games, the team announced on Tuesday.
Governor Tom Wolf announced on Tuesday that the limit for indoor gatherings will increase to 50 percent on Monday, May 17, doubling the current capacity limits of 25 percent.
The Penguins subsequently announced that for any playoff games taking place Monday or later, they will allow 50 percent capacity at PPG Paints Arena, allowing more than 9,000 fans.
The NHL has yet to announce the schedule or start date for the first round of the playoffs, so it's not clear yet when the Penguins will begin their first-round series with the Islanders. If any games take place before Monday, they will remain at 25 percent capacity.
"This is very exciting news for our region and our fans," Penguins president and CEO David Morehouse said in a team release. "We want to thank Governor Wolf, Secretary Alison Beam, County Executive Rich Fitzgerald and Mayor William Peduto for their tireless efforts in safely opening venues as we work our way out of the pandemic. Thank you also to our partners at UPMC, who have been working with us every step of the way. All fans will still be required to wear masks, and other cleaning and safety efforts on game days will continue both inside and outside PPG Paints Arena."
